In Place of War

What In Place of War does

In Place of War is a UK-registered charity (CIO, charity no. 1182594) founded in 2004 at the University of Manchester that supports artists, musicians and grassroots cultural organisations in communities affected by conflict, climate change and systemic inequality. It operates a change-maker network of 130+ partner organisations across 30+ countries, delivering a portfolio of programmes including EarthSonic (global music and climate justice), the #HackMusic Catalyst Programme (music education with studios in Colombia, Palestine, Uganda and South Africa), GRRRL (international women-of-colour super-group), 100 Agents of Change (UK youth residency), CASE Malta (three-year Maltese training programme), Music Saved My Life / Change-Maker Connect podcasts, and the Music Shaped art-auction initiative. Sub-brands include #HackMusic, EarthSonic, GRRRL and Music Shaped.

The technology layer consists of cultural production rather than software infrastructure: bioacoustic data is translated into music on the Cucusonic album, the TAKKUUK audio-visual installation is co-created with electronic duo BICEP, and content is distributed via website, podcasts, social channels, earned media (NME, The Guardian, BBC, Crack Magazine, Billboard) and festival partnerships (Glastonbury, Shambala, BIME PRO). Major corporate technology partnerships (Roland, Yamaha, Ableton, Native Instruments, Pioneer DJ) supply equipment donations to network partners; the Global Music Advisory Board (expanded to 78 members in 2026) and Artist Advisory Board provide industry distribution.

The revenue model is a hybrid charitable model. Donations flow through UK CIO, USA 501c3 (83-3944469) and Ireland CLG plus global PayPal. Projected income streams include individual giving, foundation grants (Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Wellcome Trust, AHRC), corporate partnerships (equipment, sponsorships), fundraising events (Brian Eno studio dinners), art-auction proceeds (Bonhams, Auction Collective), the confidential CORE Community donor collective (fronted by Louis Theroux), and project-booking fees via the "Book Our Projects" initiative. Three legal entities provide tax-efficient donation channels across the UK, US and Ireland.

Name

In Place of War

Legal name

In Place of War CIO

Website

https://inplaceofwar.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

In Place of War is a UK charity that supports artists and grassroots cultural organisations in conflict, climate-affected and socially marginalised communities through a global network of 130+ partners across 30+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Arts and Culture Charity

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries (512)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution & Stabilization (BPAGABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK), International & Local Implementing NGOs (HLAJAKAD)

Keywords

• Music education programs
• Arts charity funding
• Cultural development grants
• Youth creative engagement
• Climate justice initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations through UK CIO, USA 501c3, and global PayPal. Accepts one-time and recurring donations.
2. Event Revenue: Fundraising dinners, auctions (Make Art Not War, Music Shaped with Bonhams), and events generate donations and community engagement.
3. Art Auction Proceeds: Music Shaped project pairs musical/cultural icons with visual artists; artworks auctioned with Bonhams, proceeds support #HackMusic programme.
4. Project Booking Fees: Book Our Projects initiative allows organisations to engage In Place of War's programmes and expertise.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

In Place of War is a global charity that delivers arts, music, and cultural programmes for grassroots change-makers in conflict-affected and climate-affected communities. Core offerings include the EarthSonic global music and climate justice programme, #HackMusic Catalyst Programme (music education with studios in Colombia, Palestine, Uganda, and South Africa), GRRRL international women-of-colour super-group, TAKKUUK audio-visual installation, Flow multinational album/film, and training initiatives like 100 Agents of Change and CASE Malta.

Product overview

In Place of War is a charitable organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programmes and initiatives rather than a unified software product. Core offerings include EarthSonic (global music and climate justice programme), #HackMusic Catalyst Programme (music education with studios in conflict regions), GRRRL (international women artists super-group), and TAKKUUK (audio-visual installation). Supporting initiatives include 100 Agents of Change (UK youth programme), CASE Malta (Maltese creative training), Music Shaped (artist collaboration project), and two podcasts: Music Saved My Life and Change-Maker Connect. The organization also runs a Fellowship Programme recognizing influential artists and a CORE Community donor collective. The portfolio centres on using music and arts as tools for social change in conflict-affected communities worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EarthSonic: A global music and climate justice programme connecting artists from conflict-affected communities to amplify the voices of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
• #HackMusic Catalyst Programme

Products and services

• EarthSonic A global music and climate justice programme connecting artists from conflict-affected communities to amplify voices on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Works with indigenous communities, musicians, cultural organisers, scientists, and climate activists to tell the story of climate change through music.
• #HackMusic Catalyst Programme An innovative music education programme supporting development of music makers in communities facing conflict, poverty, and lack of opportunities. Provides financial support, education, equipment donations, mentoring, and internships. Operates studios in Colombia, Palestine, Uganda, and South Africa.
• GRRRL An international super-group featuring women of colour from conflict zones. A bespoke electronic music collaboration expressing collective stories of life, conflict, inequality, and change. Directed by Laima Leyton, featuring artists from Brazil, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Venezuela.
• TAKKUUK An immersive audio-visual installation created by BICEP featuring collaborations with Indigenous Arctic vocalists. Explores the lives, communities, and challenges facing Indigenous artists of the Arctic Region. Part of the EarthSonic programme.
• Flow A multinational, multi-genre album and film project celebrating stories of water and women worldwide. Features performances at COP30 in the Brazilian Amazon and upcoming COP31 in Turkey. Produced by Jennifer Decilveo and Alejandra Luciani.
• 100 Agents of Change An art and activism project connecting revolutionary artists and change makers from around the world with young people from marginalised communities in the UK. Includes virtual residency, skill-sharing, and seed funding for community projects.
• CASE Malta Programme A three-year training and development programme for artists and creative practitioners in Malta, delivered in partnership with Arts Council Malta. Built capacity, knowledge, and skills for professional practice development.
• Music Shaped A project that pairs musical and cultural icons with visual artists to create collaborative artworks. Artworks auctioned with Bonhams, with proceeds supporting the #HackMusic Programme.
• Music Saved My Life Podcast A podcast series exploring the role of music in the lives of music makers, listeners, producers, and facilitators across the world. Hosted by Ruth Daniel and Laima Leyton, featuring conversations with notable artists.
• Change-Maker Connect Podcast A podcast featuring CEO Ruth Daniel talking to grassroots change-makers from the network across the world, from Brazil to Lebanon to Zimbabwe. Explores their stories, art, and how they have used creativity for social change.
• Book Our Projects A service that allows organisations to engage In Place of War's programmes and expertise, including hiring the charity's roster of artists and projects for events, partnerships, and collaborations.
• Fellowship Programme Programme recognising artists who have contributed to positive impact consistently throughout their careers. Includes Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson, Run The Jewels, Nitin Sawhney, Charlotte Church, and others.
• CORE Community A confidential donor collective designed to help fund the infrastructure behind In Place of War's work across more than 30 countries. Fronted by Louis Theroux as Core Ambassador.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100M+ content views across platforms
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Arts Council MaltacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Three-year training and development programme (CASE Malta) for artists and creative practitioners in Malta. Delivered 5 cycles from 2023-2025 with 60 participants total. Programme built capacity, knowledge and skills for Maltese creatives.
• Glastonbury FestivalflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTerminal 1 Stage hosts #HackMusic internship programme. Grassroots music organisation participants gain industry experience at one of world's largest festivals. Internships provide access to music industry opportunities.
• Native InstrumentscoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment donation partnership providing cutting-edge hardware and software to 10 organisations in change-maker network across Columbia, El Salvador, Kenya, Palestine, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. Future plans involve mentoring and global creative collaboration.
• RolandcoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment donations for #HackMusic Catalyst Programme. Supports grassroots music organisations with professional-grade instruments and equipment.
• YamahacoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment donations supporting #HackMusic programme and grassroots music organisations worldwide.
• AbletoncoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment donations supporting music education and production in conflict-affected communities.
• Pioneer DJcoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment donations for #HackMusic Catalyst Fund, supporting grassroots music projects in conflict zones.
• Sound RepublicacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded and produced Together In Hope project. South Korean-based global music distributor coordinated 16-month remote recording project 'Against The Wind' by 70 musicians from 12 countries. All proceeds supported COVID Emergency Fund.
• Score Relief / The Cue TubeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial charity partner to international film scoring competition. Last year's competition raised over $15,000 in donations for #HackMusic programme.
• The Auction CollectivecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted inaugural Make Art Not War auction, curated collection of contemporary artworks celebrating music and art for social change. Auction raised critical funds for change-maker network.
• BonhamsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerMusic Shaped 2025 artworks auctioned as part of Sound and Cinema Auction. All proceeds support #HackMusic Programme for indigenous communities, LGBTQ+ artists, and climate-affected artists.
• Brian EnoflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudio host for annual fundraising dinners. Presented fellowship awards, hosted auction events, and provided venue for Music Shaped auction. Long-term supporter and Fellow of the organisation.
• The War on ClimateminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on campaign to make military emissions count under Paris Agreement. Over 100 organisations signed open letter. Working with content creators including Earth Preservation Project and Danny Price.
• LMF FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLas Vegas event donated ticket proceeds to In Place of War. 15 Croatian DJs performed at AREA 15 venue.
• Global Music Advisory Board PartnersflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner60 music industry professionals from companies including Roland, Resident Advisor, Shambala, NinjaTune, BMG, FUGA, Genius, Lila, Adobe provide mentorship, networking, equipment donations, and financial support.
• BicepflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on TAKKUUK audio-visual installation and soundtrack featuring Indigenous Arctic musicians. TAKKUUK touring globally. Part of EarthSonic programme.
• COP30 / United NationsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlow album artists performed at COP30 in Brazilian Amazon. Five live performances in Blue Zone and cultural spaces in Belém. Opening performance planned for COP31 in Turkey.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Sundance Institute: Major US arts foundation supporting independent storytelling and artistic risk-taking through grants, labs, and festivals. Overlaps with IPOW in artist development, film/music production support, and using creative culture as social change lever, but at much larger scale and broader scope.
• PRS Foundation: UK charity supporting music creators through grants and development programmes, with explicit focus on diverse talent and under-represented groups. Comparable mission of supporting grassroots music development with industry funding, but operating at broader UK scale.
• Help Musicians UK: UK-wide charity providing health, welfare, and professional development support to musicians. Comparable charity structure and music industry focus, but serves a much broader UK-based welfare mission rather than IPOW's conflict-zone arts development model.

Direct peers

• Magamba Network: Zimbabwean cultural activist collective using art and creative media for social change; named as a 'Global 100 Sparks of Hope' by Nelson Mandela's Elders and featured in IPOW's data. Direct peer operating in the same change-maker network in Zimbabwe.
• War Child UK: Charity protecting children and supporting young people affected by war, with significant music-led programmes (albums, events, festivals). Similar donor base, conflict-zone operational footprint, and music-industry partnership model as IPOW.
• Playing for Change Foundation: Creates music schools and programmes for children in marginalized communities worldwide, including conflict and refugee settings. Closely mirrors IPOW's #HackMusic Catalyst Programme approach to music education in challenging environments.
• Artolution: Engages communities affected by conflict and crisis in collaborative art projects that amplify local voices. Highly comparable methodology, conflict-zone operational footprint, and arts-based empowerment approach to IPOW's grassroots programmes.
• Musicians Without Borders: Uses music as a tool for peacebuilding and social change in conflict-affected regions globally. Directly comparable mission and methodology to IPOW's grassroots arts-in-conflict model, with overlapping geographies in Africa, Middle East, and Latin America.
• Artists for Peace and Justice: Mobilises artists and the creative community to fund education and social justice in underserved communities, with strong celebrity and cultural industry partnerships. Comparable model of leveraging creative talent networks for international development impact.

Others

• British Council: UK government cultural relations organisation promoting arts, education, and cultural exchange globally with significant presence in conflict-affected regions. Comparable in cultural-international-development mission and geographic footprint, but as a state-backed entity rather than an independent charity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/inplaceofwar
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6F8ZLZ9KZcFjc
• Facebookfacebook.com/InPlaceOfWar
• Instagraminstagram.com/inplaceofwar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/in-place-of-war

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about In Place of War